The Entrepreneur Experiment

What does it take to grow from one pharmacy to a nationwide network, and redefine what healthcare means along the way? In this Mentor Moment, Oonagh O’Hagan, founder of Meagher’s Pharmacy, shares how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone can spark incredible innovation. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation in Episode 374 of The Entrepreneur Experiment for Oonagh’s full founder story and her vision for proactive, people-first healthcare. 💡 If you enjoy these short Mentor Moments, hit follow or subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more weekly insights from Ireland’s top founders and creators. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Murray, co-founder of Heights, the brain health and wellness brand redefining supplements through science and transparency. From building a startup after insomnia and burnout to scaling Heights to over £25 million ARR, Dan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, product integrity, and founder mindset. Dan doesn’t hold back-calling out the biggest scams in wellness, revealing how Heights earned credibility in a saturated industry, and sharing the truth about raising investment, building trust with scientists, and navigating toxic investor relationships. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a purpose-led brand in a crowded space—or how to rebuild confidence after failure—this episode is for you. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 💊 The truth about supplements: why Dan believes most gummies and collagen products are “wellness junk food.” 🧠 The origin of Heights: how insomnia and poor nutrition led to a £25M brain health brand. 📚 Science meets storytelling: building credibility by translating research into consumer trust. 👥 Finding the right investors: why the wrong people can destroy your company culture. 🚫 Equity mistakes: how early founders give away too much—and how to stop doing it. 💡 The power of “hope is not a strategy”—the most annoying advice that turned out to be true. 🔥 Growth lessons: how Heights went from 0→10M in four years and doubled again in one. 🌟 Celebrity trust: how genuine users like Stephen Fry became Heights’ biggest advocates. 💬 “We can never regret this choice. If you make the wrong product decision, you bring the whole brand down.”– Dan Murray Heights – Smart Nutrition for Brain & Body Links & Resources: Get 20% off your Heights Order: https://bit.ly/48LyvEv Follow Dan Murray-Serter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmurrays Listen to Dan’s podcast: Secret Leaders: https://www.secretleaders.com/ Recommended Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Connect with Gary Fox → https://www.instagram.com/mrgaryfox —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo —- Music Credit: “Nobody Knows” by Andrew Applepie — used under purchased royalty-free license.

In this Mentor Moment from episode 403 of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Aimee Connolly shares the behind-the-scenes story of building Sculpted by Aimee: from 19 months of figuring out formulation, logistics, and packaging on her own, to spray-painting roses gold for her first press drop. She opens up about what it really takes to bring an idea to life, the lessons learned along the way, and why embracing what you don’t know is the real superpower of every entrepreneur. 💡 “The difference between someone who becomes an entrepreneur and someone who doesn’t is knowing you don’t know everything, and doing it anyway.” 👉 Watch the full conversation with Aimee in Episode 403 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Steve Crosbie, former professional rugby player turned founder of Fad Saoil Saunas — one of the pioneers of Ireland’s sauna movement. After years playing for Leinster, Munster, and Connacht, Steve walked away from his dream rugby career at just 26. The transition from athlete to entrepreneur wasn’t easy, but it led him somewhere unexpected: into the cold Irish sea. Out of heartbreak and healing came Fad Saoil Saunas - a business that began with one barrel sauna at the 40 Foot and grew into a nationwide wellness brand. Steve shares how he rebuilt his identity, how sport shaped his approach to business, and why starting small (and freezing cold) can sometimes lead to the warmest success. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the dream ends, this story proves that endings can be the start of something extraordinary. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🏉 The journey from professional rugby to retirement at 26 💔 How losing his identity in sport sparked a period of rediscovery 🌊 The idea that became Fad Saoil Saunas — and how it all began at the 40 Foot 💡 The lessons sport teaches that translate directly to entrepreneurship 📈 How timing, community, and consistency helped spark Ireland’s sauna boom 🧠 Rebuilding confidence, purpose, and self-belief after walking away from a dream career 💬 “Although my rugby was at its peak, a lot of other parts of my life were on the floor.” – Steve Crosbie Links & Resources Fad Saoil Saunas Website: https://fadsaoilsaunas.com/ Follow Steve Crosbie: https://www.instagram.com/stevecrosbie101/?hl=en Follow Fad Saoil on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fadsaoilsaunas/?hl=en —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this Mentor Moment, tech founder Sean Blanchfield, best known for building and scaling Demonware (acquired by Activision, now part of Microsoft), PageFair, and now Jentic, shares his take on the age-old question: are entrepreneurs born or made? From being the “willing geek” in college to helping shape Ireland’s startup ecosystem, Sean reflects on how curiosity, environment, and sheer drive shaped his journey, and why he still looks for that same entrepreneurial spark in every hire. 💡 Hear the full conversation in Episode 404 of The Entrepreneur Experiment Podcast. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Connor Martin, founder of The JAQ Group, home to the viral fragrance brand The Essence Vault, as well as Thomson Carter and Liquid London. From selling wax melts at a Saturday market to building a £60 million e-commerce empire in just five years, Connor’s story is a masterclass in resourcefulness, experimentation, and resilience. He reveals how he turned a £16,000 credit card experiment into one of the UK’s most successful fragrance groups, scaled during COVID by pure instinct, and rebuilt after nearly losing everything in a logistics nightmare. Connor also shares how he applies ruthless efficiency, “fail fast” culture, and first-principles thinking to stay ahead in the hyper-competitive DTC world. If you want the real playbook for bootstrapping, scaling, and surviving e-commerce chaos, this episode is unmissable. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 💡 How a bottle of CK One sparked a lifelong obsession with fragrance 🧪 The £16,000 credit card gamble that launched The Essence Vault 🚀 Turning a weekend market stall into £800k/month during COVID 🧱 Building from zero marketing experience to £60 million in revenue ⚙️ How failing fast and “implementing before finishing the module” became his superpower 📉 The moment a shipping disaster nearly destroyed the business overnight 🧭 Why Connor runs his company without forecasts — and how it works 📈 Lessons from scaling, burning out, and rebuilding stronger 🎯 How The JAQ Group keeps innovation alive across multiple brands 🌙 His next move: launching a sleep optimisation brand built around his own daily struggles 🧠 Mindset gems on speed, decision-making, and compounding effort “Knowledge is nothing without implementation — and vice versa.” – Connor Martin Links & Resources The Essence Vault: theessencevault.co.uk Thomson Carter: thomsoncarter.com Liquid London: https://liquid.london/ Book Mentioned: Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syed —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this week’s Mentor Moment, Protex AI founders Dan Hobbs and Ciaran O’Mara share how they maintain an incredibly high bar when hiring, and why resilience, not just skill, is the real marker of top talent. They reveal how take-home exercises, structured culture frameworks, and a transparent interview process help them find and grow people who thrive under pressure. 💡 “If you hire A-players, they’ll hire other A-players. If you hire B-players, they’ll hire C’s and D’s.” 👉 Listen to the full episode (#402) for the complete conversation on building world-class teams, scaling culture, and the lessons behind Protex AI’s rapid growth. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Ciara Troy, founder of Oishii Sushi, to uncover the 19-year journey of building Ireland’s most recognisable sushi brand. From her first Saturday market in Greystones to supplying nationwide through Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and Spar, Ciara shares the grit, resilience, and fearless naivety that kept her going through long days, cashflow struggles, and van deliveries at dawn. She opens up about the pivotal lessons learned along the way: from cutting sushi rolls by hand on chopping boards to investing in her first machines, from maxing out family credit cards to securing Enterprise Ireland support, and from nearly burning out to carving out “Mummy Mondays” to balance entrepreneurship with family life. If you’re an aspiring founder or a food entrepreneur wondering how to scale a product from a kitchen table to a nationwide household brand, this episode is packed with raw insights, honest reflections, and the strategies Ciara used to grow Oishii from a tiny market stall to a 75-strong team serving fresh sushi across Ireland. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🍣 How a semester in Tokyo inspired Ciara to start Oishii Sushi 🛒 Testing at local markets before breaking into Dublin shops with barcoded trays 🚐 The early years of 4am sushi-making, van deliveries, and scraping by on petrol money 📊 The “trays per man hour” Excel sheet that showed her the path to profitability ⚙️ Tiny improvements—like piping wasabi instead of hand-filling—that transformed efficiency 💳 Surviving cashflow crises, credit card debt, and the importance of family support 👩‍👧‍👦 Introducing “Mummy Mondays” to balance growing a food brand with raising three children 🏭 Scaling from a small kitchen to a purpose-built Dublin 12 facility with 75+ staff 💡 Why COVID was a turning point, forcing Oishii to shift from van sales to centralised distribution 📈 How Oishii went from 30% retail coverage to nationwide partnerships with Ireland’s biggest chains 🌱 Future of food: functional ingredients, protein-rich meals, and balancing wellness with convenience 💬 “Be patient with the results but aggressive with the action.” – Ciara Troy Links & Resources Oishii Sushi Website: https://oishiisushi.ie/ GS1 Ireland – Barcodes for Food Products: https://www.gs1ie.org/ The Spade Enterprise Centre: https://www.spade.ie/ —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this Mentor Moment, Colin Harmon, founder of 3FE Coffee, reveals why consistency beats occasional brilliance when it comes to building lasting brands. He shares the lesson that changed how he thought about coffee forever: customers don’t need the “best cup ever” - they just need it never to be bad. By raising the floor instead of the ceiling, Colin built trust, scaled his business, and turned 3FE into one of Ireland’s most iconic coffee names. Listen to the full conversation on Episode 400 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. Show Notes Why Colin shifted focus from chasing perfection to building consistency The compliment that redefined his business: “It’s never sh*t” How raising the lowest standard creates long-term trust with customers Why brands should aim to be like Guinness: reliably good, every time The challenge (and opportunity) of standing out in a saturated market Resources & Links 3fe: https://3fe.com/ 3fe on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3fecoffee —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Colin Meagle, serial entrepreneur, venture builder, and founder of Continuous Ventures. Colin has built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses: from creative agencies to international tech ventures, and now operates out of Dubai, where he helps founders and corporates spin up disruptive businesses at scale. Colin shares his candid insights on what it really takes to spot opportunities, harness talent, and scale globally. From exiting Irish agencies to launching a venture studio in the Middle East, Colin talks about why saying no is a superpower, how to avoid AI-driven obsolescence, and why Ireland must think bigger if it wants to compete on the global stage. If you’re a founder, investor, or anyone curious about building in fast-changing markets, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons on talent, focus, and disruption. Show Notes – In this episode, we cover: 🌍 Why Colin moved to Dubai and how it reshaped his entrepreneurial vision 🚀 The evolution from running agencies to building a global venture studio 💡 How to spot patterns, talent, and opportunities others miss 🤖 AI disruption: which industries are safe—and which are already gone 🔑 Why saying “no” is one of the most powerful skills for founders 🏗 The difference between building vs. running a company (and why Colin prefers one over the other) 📉 Why traditional VC is contracting and how venture studios are changing the game 🇮🇪 Colin’s honest take on Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem—and what needs to change ⏳ The importance of 60-month windows when building ventures 🧠 Why judgment, creativity, and EQ will define the winners in the AI era “Failure is a currency. You should be failing every single day. That’s how you develop the reflexes to succeed.” – Colin Meagle Links & Resources Continuous Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/continuousventures/about/ Follow Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmeagle/ —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

This week’s Mentor Moment dives into how Nadia Adan built her brand through bold, disruptive content, and why testing, learning, and finding a repeatable format is the secret to scaling on social media. Michael Corcoran shares why standing out often means doing the opposite of everyone else, and how brand storytelling, even with its raw ups and downs, is what truly connects with audiences. 🎧 To hear the full conversation, search for Episode 396 of The Entrepreneur Experiment. 🎟 Early bird tickets for EE Live @ The Sugar Club — November 30th: https://luma.com/6bwymzzt?fbclid=PAVE... —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?even...)

In this solo episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox takes us behind the scenes of the very first Entrepreneur Experiment Retreat — a transformative five-day experience in Marbella, Spain that brought together a select group of founders to focus on their body, brain, and business. Gary shares how a spontaneous idea in 2024 turned into a fully-fledged founder retreat, what went into designing the experience, and why moments of stillness, movement, and shared learning can create huge momentum in business and life. From sunrise workouts and deep-dive masterclasses to shared dinners and accountability sessions, this is a blueprint for any founder looking to reset, realign, and reimagine what’s possible. If you’ve ever thought about joining a founder retreat, running one yourself, or simply carving out space to think — this one’s for you. Show Notes In this solo episode, Gary covers: 🔁 Why “done is better than perfect” sparked the idea for the retreat 🌅 The three pillars of the retreat: Reset, One Problem, Vision 🤯 What even 24 hours in a new environment can do for your next 24 months 🧠 The "Hot Seat" method for solving founder problems (without excuses) 📍How Barry Napier (Cubic) set the tone with a €500M lesson in roadmaps ⚡️ Why accountability, peer learning, and curated energy matter 📈 The importance of becoming the face of your business 📌 Why your retreat starts when you get home — not when it ends 🥂 Behind-the-scenes moments from Padel tournaments to seaside visualisation exercises “Knowledge without action is useless. The retreat was about turning what we’ve all learned into real-world traction.” – Gary Fox Resources & Mentions 🎟 Early bird tickets for EE Live @ The Sugar Club — November 30th: 👉 The Entrepreneur Experiment Sugar Club Event Tickets (Nov 30th) Barry Napier – CEO of Cubic 📍Finca Naundrup, Marbella – Retreat location 🧠 Visualisation Challenge – Write a letter from your future self —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

This Mentor Moment with Mary Sadlier (from Episode 398) dives into why digital is the great equaliser for entrepreneurs. Mary shares the art of getting products on and off shelves, why persistence matters, and the hard truth that nobody’s coming — unless you ask the right questions. A powerful reminder that value creation and resourcefulness win in business. —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Paul Buckley — the fiercely honest and deeply reflective founder behind C2O Group. From nearly going pro in golf to blowing his savings in a poker room, to scaling and selling one of Australia’s fastest-growing engineering companies, Paul shares his rollercoaster journey through ambition, burnout, and bold reinvention. You’ll hear how Paul built EPS Group Australia from the ground up, scaled it to $84M in revenue in just three years, and exited in a major acquisition — only to find himself mentally and emotionally depleted in the aftermath. What followed was a two-year reset, a $14M relaunch, and a second act that’s bigger, sharper, and backed by one of the world’s leading private equity funds. If you're a founder who's exited (or wants to), this episode is your blueprint for navigating what comes next — the highs, the regrets, and the resilience it takes to start again. 🧠 Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 💡 Starting with Nothing: From selling Christmas trees out of a van in Cork to leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects across Australia 🏌️‍♂️ Sliding Doors: What it felt like to lose to Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry — and walk away from golf for good 💸 From Broke to Boardroom: Blowing $30k in 7 weeks... then managing 30+ workers on a $3.5B desalination project in Victoria 🚀 Scaling Fast: How Paul co-founded EPS Group Australia and scaled it from $0 to $84M turnover within 3 years 🧨 Burnout After the Exit: The emotional toll of selling his company and staying on through a high-pressure earnout 🧱 Rebuilding From Scratch: How Paul raised $14M to acquire two businesses in the US and Australia — and build C2O Group 2.0 🧭 What He’d Do Differently: The tax incentives, legal lessons, and partnerships he wishes he'd understood the first time around 👨‍👧‍👦 On Legacy: Why he won’t hand the business to his kids — and what succession means to him now “It brought me to the lowest point in my life by far… I was totally broken, barely able to stand up. It probably took me 12 months — probably 24 — to get my feet back underneath me properly.” — Paul Buckley Links & Resources C2O Group: https://c2ogroup.com/ Follow Paul Buckley on LinkedIn —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Rory, the 22-year-old founder of Shirt in a Box, the mystery jersey startup on track to hit €10 million in revenue. What began as a lockdown side hustle selling vintage shirts has exploded into a full-blown e-commerce machine — with 200,000 shirts sold, 2,500 US subscribers, and viral moments like a surprise shoutout from Gary Neville on the UK’s biggest football podcast, The Overlap. Rory breaks down how that single moment led to a 5x revenue day, why influencer marketing only works when it’s authentic, and how he's pivoted from student entrepreneur to full-time CEO building a creative agency within his business to produce 400+ ad creatives a month. From boxing mishaps and marketing fails to future expansion plans in the US and new sports like basketball, this is an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and scale a modern DTC brand. “That Gary Neville shoutout was probably worth £150,000 to us… and we didn’t even ask him to do it.” 🧠 Show Notes – In this episode, we cover: 📦 How Shirt in a Box works — and why the mystery model taps into childhood nostalgia 🎯 The Gary Neville effect: a €150k shoutout from The Overlap 💥 The power (and problems) of viral growth: stock delays, customer service chaos & staff turnover 🧠 Why managing people is the hardest founder skill to master 🇺🇸 How Rory identified the US as a key market & grew subscriptions 100% from Ireland 👕 New sports, new supply chains: launching mystery basketball jerseys 🎥 Why they now produce 400+ pieces of ad creative every month 🧪 The best performing ad formats right now (including “fake podcast” ads) 🔄 From TikTok to Meta: what’s working (and what they’ve given up on) 🏪 Bricks & mortar dreams: future pop-ups and immersive retail experiences Resources & Links 🎽 Shop Shirt in a Box 🎧 Listen to Gary Neville mention the brand on The Overlap 📚 The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss —— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

When everyone else is chasing trends, mentalist and hypnotist Keith Barry goes the opposite direction. In this Mentor Moment, Keith reveals how leaning into long-form content—when everyone else was focused on short-form Reels—helped him go viral and land major event bookings. He also shares how he uses platforms like LinkedIn in unconventional ways to connect with decision-makers and why valuing yourself, your energy, and your unique approach is key to standing out. 🎧 This bite-sized insight is taken from Episode 397 of The Entrepreneur Experiment Podcast, where Keith shares his full journey and business lessons. If you want to hear more from Keith, listen back to the full episode now. ———— Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?even...)

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Alan Andrews, the unapologetically honest founder behind Old Barracks Roastery and Guji Coffee Bar. Known for his bold social content and Ireland’s most controversial coffee shop (no kids allowed, dogs welcome, €15 cups of coffee), Alan lifts the lid on the real cost of starting and scaling a successful hospitality business. He breaks down the myths that plague the coffee industry — from delusional €10K startup budgets to the glorification of hustle culture — and explains why €100K is the minimum buy-in for building a sustainable, profitable coffee business. Alan also shares the deeply personal reasons behind his adults-only policy, how he prioritises family without sacrificing growth, and why honesty (not trends) should drive your brand strategy. This episode is a masterclass in branding, business modelling, and living by your values — one cup at a time. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: ☕ The Real Costs of Starting a Coffee Shop Why €10K won’t cut it, and what you actually need to spend How Alan built a coffee bar in Limerick for €100K — and what that buys you The weekly turnover benchmark every shop needs to survive: €10K 📈 Sustainability in Hospitality Are you building a job or a business? The industry’s problem with low-barrier entry and poor planning Why coffee deserves the same pricing architecture as wine or steak 🔥 Polarising Branding & Standing Out The €15 coffee that sparked national debate Adults-only cafes: creating intentional spaces for deep connection Why Alan doesn't care if everyone likes him — and how it’s his superpower 🎯 Transparent Social Media Marketing Alan’s viral TikToks on coffee costs and customer misconceptions How to win on social in 2025: go real, go niche, get honest "The customer isn’t always right — sometimes they’re just not your customer." 👨‍👧 Entrepreneurship & Fatherhood The hidden reason Alan created a kid-free cafe How divorce and co-parenting shaped his time philosophy The ultimate goal: build a business that doesn’t cost you your family 💬 “You didn’t even buy yourself a job — you bought yourself a trap. You’re working 14 hours a day, making no money, and calling it entrepreneurship.” Links & Resources: Visit Old Barracks Roastery (Birdhill): https://oldbarracks.ie/ Follow Alan on TikTok: @oldbarracksroastery Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this Mentor Moment, Gary Fox speaks with Sahil Bloom — investor, writer, and creator — about how his definition of success has transformed. Once focused purely on financial outcomes, Sahil now measures success through time, people, purpose, and health, seeing money as a natural byproduct rather than the goal. He also shares a refreshing take on imposter syndrome, reframing it as a sign of growth and a tax on personal progress, and explains why asking “Why not me?” is the mindset shift every founder needs when stepping into bigger rooms. This is a short but powerful conversation packed with perspective shifts to help you redefine success on your own terms. To listen to the full episode, go to episode number 401. ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with one of Ireland’s most recognisable business voices, Bobby Kerr — founder of Perk, former CEO and Chairman of Insomnia, investor, broadcaster, and champion of Irish enterprise. Bobby shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business at 39 — remortgaging his house with a newborn at home — to building Insomnia into over 800 locations across Ireland through smart partnerships, relentless drive, and a willingness to bet on himself. He reveals the lessons learned from navigating the arrival of Starbucks, the power of merging with competitors to scale, and why focusing on multiple revenue streams saved the business more than once. Bobby also opens up about selling in 2018 after a cancer diagnosis, the freedom he’s designed for himself since, and the businesses exciting him today, from Bread 41 to Irish tourism. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Bobby’s story is a masterclass in vision, resilience, and knowing when to play the long game. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: ☕ How Bobby spotted Ireland’s coffee culture shift before it happened 🏪 The first Perk café on Grafton Street — and why a turnover-based rent deal was a game-changer 📉 Surviving Starbucks opening next door (and why it helped sales) 🤝 The three-way merger that became Insomnia — and why owning 30% of something bigger was better than 100% of his own 📈 Growing from 5 cafés to 200+ shops and 600 convenience store locations 💡 Creating three revenue streams: high street, concessions, and convenience retail 🛑 The importance of multiple revenue streams to de-risk a business ⚡ Why Bobby sold in 2018 after recovering from cancer 🍞 Why Bread 41 is his “most exciting” current project 🌍 Opportunities in Irish tourism and the bakery market 🎯 What he looks for when backing founders (and why it’s “the jockey, not the horse”) 📚 Bobby’s top book recommendations, daily habits, and best investment advice Links & Resources Bread 41 – Award-winning Irish bakery: https://bread41.ie/ Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing The Spider Covenant by Brian Klein ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Áine Kerr, the award-winning journalist, serial entrepreneur behind startups including Storyful (acquired by News Corp), and Kinzen (acquired by Spotify). From teaching in Dublin classrooms to building Storyful alongside Mark Little, leading global journalism partnerships at Facebook, and launching her second successful startup, Áine shares the lessons she’s learned from a “squiggly career” defined by reinvention, resilience, and purpose. Áine reveals the realities of startup life, why suffering and recommitment are part of the journey, and how she built extraordinary teams that continue to shape the future of technology and media. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, finding your “why,” and creating impact-driven businesses. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🔥 How Áine transitioned from teacher to journalist to tech entrepreneur 🚀 The early days of Storyful and the lessons from its sale to News Corp 💡 Why she started Kinzen and how it was acquired by Spotify 📈 The importance of radical transparency, resilience, and “recommitting to the suffering” of startup life 🤝 How to build high-performing teams that outgrow even the founder 🌍 Ireland’s entrepreneurial tipping point and why local ecosystems matter 🧠 The power of asking the right questions and leading without ego 🎯 Why duality (fear and courage) is key to any founder’s journey 💬 “If you have radical clarity on your why, people will back you; even if you have to do half a dozen resets and pivots.” – Áine Kerr Links & Resources Áine Kerr on LinkedIn Kinzen Rethink Ireland Gaisce – The President’s Award The Shona Project Dogpatch Labs AwakenHub ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Fran Quilty, co-founder and CEO of Conjura, the analytics platform powering the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce brands. From spinning out Wayflyer to building one of Ireland’s most exciting SaaS companies, Fran shares the unfiltered reality of transitioning from a services business to a scalable product, raising venture capital, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape. Fran breaks down how AI is fundamentally changing the way brands operate, why marketplaces like Amazon, TikTok, and Walmart are driving revenue shifts, and the lessons he learned building two companies simultaneously. If you want to understand where e-commerce is headed, and how data and automation will define the next decade - this is an episode you can’t miss. In this episode, we cover: 📈 How Fran and his co-founder spun Conjura out of consulting and discovered the e-commerce goldmine 🚀 The split that created Wayflyer—and how it became one of Ireland’s biggest startup success stories 🔄 Lessons from moving from services to SaaS: why focus beats feature creep 🛒 E-commerce in 2025: the rise of marketplaces, social selling, and channel fragmentation 🤖 The AI revolution in analytics—why agent-based AI will change how brands operate 💡 The 80/20 rule for e-commerce: why 20% of your products drive 90% of your profit 🇪🇺 Why Europe is the fastest-growing e-commerce market right now ⚡ Fran’s advice for founders building in fast-moving industries 💬 “AI won’t just give you insights—it will execute for you. That’s the future.” – Fran Quilty Links & Resources: Follow Fran Quilty on LinkedIn Conjura: https://www.conjura.com ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

Barry Napier didn’t follow the typical founder path. In this bite-sized Mentor Moment, he shares how trading phones around the world laid the foundation for building Cubic Telecom - the company he’d go on to sell 51% of for €473 million. From street smarts to striking deals with Tesla, it’s a story of grit, vision, and relentless execution. To listen to the full episode with Barry, go to episode 355. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners: Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo .

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary sits down with Kevin O’Loughlin, founder and CEO of Nostra, one of Ireland’s leading IT services and cybersecurity companies. From being €1 million in debt and living on pasta, to building a company helping 1,000+ businesses across Europe, Kevin shares the deeply personal story behind his mission to impact a million lives. This is not your typical tech founder story. Kevin reveals: - How a recession forced him into radical self-reflection. - Why personal discipline became the foundation of his professional comeback. - The systems, vision boards, and daily habits that guide him. - How he's using AI to empower teams and scale his company—without compromising values. If you're an entrepreneur grappling with uncertainty or looking for clarity on how to scale with purpose, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🧨 How Kevin built Nostra out of a financial crisis and €1M in debt 🧭 Why his vision to “help a million people” fuels every decision 💻 The truth about modern cyberattacks - and why most companies aren’t prepared 🧠 Why daily meditation and visualisation are key to his success 📊 The practical ways Nostra uses AI to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and make better decisions 📈 Why consistent, boring growth beats big risky bets - and how he plans to build Ireland’s largest company 🔐 The single piece of IT advice he gives every business owner ⚡ The two internal mantras that guide company decisions: “What’s the right thing?” and “Would you sell it to your family?” Resources & Mentions: Nostra – Kevin’s company providing managed IT and cybersecurity services: https://nostra.ie/ Whoop – the health tracking device Kevin and Gary both swear by Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” – the framework that shaped Kevin’s personal mission [ChatGPT / Copilot] – Kevin uses AI daily to summarise emails, research problems, and automate planning Enterprise Ireland – early supporter in Nostra’s hiring and UK expansion Datto – the company Kevin recommends for off-site immutable data backups —-- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this weekend's Mentor Moment, Conor Sheridan, founder of Nory, shares the mindset shift that helped him go from startup operator to scaling a global restaurant tech company. From embracing boldness in a culture that often discourages it, to mastering the underrated power of “the next logical step,” Conor breaks down the thinking that led to raising $26 million and building a 10-year roadmap. This is a must-listen for any founder struggling with imposter syndrome, over-planning, or self-promotion. It’s also a reminder that telling your story with conviction isn’t arrogance - it’s your biggest marketing opportunity. Want more? Listen to the full episode [Ep. 389]. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox is joined by Ross and David, the powerhouse duo behind Outmin, a game-changing AI bookkeeping platform. What starts as a conversation about longevity, biohacking, and raw vegetable breakfasts quickly evolves into a masterclass in building a deep-tech startup from scratch. From rejecting vanity metrics and confronting brutal truths in fundraising, to rebuilding the accounting infrastructure and quietly revolutionising an unsexy space, Ross and David reveal how Outmin went from an idea to a VC-backed company with 350+ customers across Ireland and the UK. With €4 million in fresh funding and a bold roadmap for the future, they’re not just talking about AI - they’re redefining what it actually takes to automate one of the most painful parts of running a business. This is a must-listen for founders, operators, and anyone curious about what building a truly differentiated startup looks like in the age of AI. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: 🧠 Ross’s “Cheat Death” document: longevity, raw vegetables & bioavailable supplements 💥 Why Outmin rebuilt the general ledger from scratch 🧮 Automating the “toothbrush task” of bookkeeping 🔍 How their dataset became their competitive advantage 📊 Why the AI wave is really a “plumbing” revolution 📈 Fundraising lessons from €0 to €4M 🧪 The importance of testing over storytelling in early-stage startups 💡 How they used public data to book 100+ customer discovery calls 📉 Why tech startups are harder to automate than hospitality 👥 The underrated power of building for 100 people who love you 💬 “If I could inject how I feel every day into someone else—they’d never go back.” – Ross Links & Resources Outmin: https://outmin.io Enterprise Ireland HPSU Program: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/innovative-hpsu-fund The Data Collective VC analysis: https://dcvc.com Singularity University: https://su.org —-- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this Mentor Moment from Episode 372, David O’Meara, CEO of Greenman Group, unpacks the surprising reality of post-COVID retail: traditional supermarkets aren’t just surviving—they’re evolving. While many predicted the death of brick-and-mortar retail with the rise of e-commerce, David explains why food retail continues to thrive, especially in Germany where shopping habits, cost-conscious consumers, and smart infrastructure keep people coming back in person. He also touches on the bigger picture: how sustainability is shaping the future of retail real estate. From carbon capture tech to smarter building design, Greenman is betting on supermarkets not just as shops, but as future-proof community assets. This clip is a must-listen for anyone in retail, property, or future-focused business strategy. —- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Cait and Cillian, the powerhouse duo behind Luxury Exchange - the Irish-born fashion resale platform that’s redefining pre-loved luxury. From humble beginnings selling designer pieces on Instagram between her shifts at Brown Thomas, Cat grew her side project into a business projected to do over €4 million in turnover this year. Joined by her fiancé and co-founder Cillian, the pair share a raw and inspiring look at what it really takes to scale a customer-first business - from running daily Instagram Lives to bootstrapping every aspect of growth with zero external funding. They open up about the early mistakes (hello, 10% commission), pivotal turning points like their first €6k live sale from a holiday home in Waterville, and the relentless work ethic that powers their mission today. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or operator wondering how to build a cult brand through trust, taste, and total obsession with your customer, this one’s for you. ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

In this Mentor Moment from The Entrepreneur Experiment Episode 378, Luke Joyce shares how he’s transformed the traditional window cleaning business using technology, subscriptions, and automation. Luke reveals his vision to scale nationwide, break into the UK, and ultimately build systems that could apply to any home service — all while solving pain points and staying miles ahead of the competition. ----- Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Timo Boldt, the visionary founder and CEO of Gousto, the UK’s leading homegrown meal-kit company. From humble beginnings hand-delivering recipe boxes and knocking on doors, to building a data-powered food business that serves millions of dinners annually, Timo shares his 13-year journey of grit, resilience, and customer obsession. He opens up about the early grind, raising capital without a single VC contact, harnessing AI to scale operations, and his mission to make healthy eating effortless. Whether you’re a startup founder, food enthusiast, or curious about building a complex, capital-intensive company, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on leadership, discipline, and creating meaningful impact.<br /> <br /> <strong>Show Notes</strong><br /> <br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> <br /> 🔥 How Timo went from cooking in his tiny flat to delivering millions of dinners annually<br /> <br /> 🚀 The scrappy early days—handing out flyers, door-to-door sales, hand-packing boxes<br /> <br /> 💡 Why customer obsession and continuous improvement power Gousto’s growth flywheel<br /> <br /> 📈 How Gousto uses AI in everything from logistics to recipe creation and personalisation<br /> <br /> 💰 The realities of scaling a capital-intensive food business (hundreds of millions raised)<br /> <br /> 🌱 Timo’s vision of Gousto as a future preventative healthcare platform<br /> <br /> ⚡ The underrated power of personal discipline: mindset, gratefulness, and fitness 💬 “The grass is greenest where you water it. Take care of yourself, obsess about the customer, build the best team you can—and great things will happen.” — Timo Boldt<br /> <br /> <strong>Links & Resources</strong><br /> Gousto (now in Ireland)— Try the UK’s leading homegrown meal-kit service: <a href= "https://www.gousto.co.uk/">https://www.gousto.co.uk/</a> <br /> Timo Boldt on LinkedIn — Follow Timo’s journey: <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/timo-boldt/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/timo-boldt/</a> <br /> Book: Die With Zero by Bill Perkins<br /> <br /> -----<br /> <br /> Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! <a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo">https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</a></p>

<p>In this Mentor Moment, economist Stephen Kinsella joins Gary Fox to break down the patterns behind economic booms and busts - and why the seeds of the next crisis are often sown during the good times. Stephen explains the theory of financial instability, the role of credit, and how euphoria can quickly turn to fear. He also explores what could trigger Ireland’s next major economic shock and how global forces shape our future. If you’re a founder, investor, or simply curious about what’s coming next, this is essential listening. To listen to the full episode with Stephen, look for episode 363. <br /> <br /> -----<br /> <br /> Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! <a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Visit my partners:<br /> <br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo">https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</a></p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dean Klatt, the Australian founder of Seed Golf, who built a global direct-to-consumer golf brand… from Carlow. Dean shares the story of how he reverse-engineered premium golf balls, bootstrapped his way to international markets, and took on billion-dollar brands without a cent spent on advertising in the early days.</p> <p>From wind tunnels in rural Ireland to handwritten letters to YouTubers, this episode is a masterclass in strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and challenger brand building. If you’re a founder aiming to disrupt a traditional industry or simply love a good “from zero to one” story, this is a must-listen.</p> <p>Show Notes<br /> In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>⛳ The unconventional path from golf distributor in Australia to founder of Seed Golf in Ireland<br /> 🚀 How Dean designed a high-performance golf ball using university labs, 3D printing, and wind tunnels<br /> 🧠 The strategy behind creating a digital-native, direct-to-consumer brand<br /> 🌍 Going global from day one: leveraging Irish brand identity and organic word-of-mouth<br /> 🎥 Why early influencer marketing worked without a budget — and how they seeded (literally) the market<br /> 🏗️ The two-year product development phase and how Dean overcame self-doubt<br /> 🎯 "If the big brands zig, we zag" — building a challenger brand with authenticity<br /> 🏆 Winning Golf Digest awards 3 years in a row and what that means for future growth<br /> 🛍️ What makes golf balls the perfect D2C product: consumable, shippable, repeatable</p> <p>💬 "Our customers were giving away the golf balls they bought just to tell others about us — that’s when I knew we were onto something." – Dean Klatt</p> <p>🔗 Resources & Links<br /> Seed Golf Website: https://seedgolf.com/<br /> Follow Seed Golf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedgolfco<br /> Peter Finch Golf YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/peterfinchgolf</p> <p>-----</p> <p>Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 </p> <p>---<br /> Visit my partners</p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland</p> <p>Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE </p> <p>Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</p>

<p data-start="237" data-end="572">In this bite-sized Mentor Moment, DC Cahalane shares how a late diagnosis of ADHD transformed his understanding of himself — and his work. From battling procrastination to embracing what he once saw as flaws, DC opens up about the mental health rollercoaster that led to a powerful realization: ADHD wasn’t a limitation, it was a lens.</p> <p data-start="574" data-end="762">He unpacks why traditional productivity hacks failed him, how understanding brain chemistry changed everything, and why every founder — diagnosed or not — should read <em data-start="741" data-end="761">Faster Than Normal</em>.</p> <p data-start="764" data-end="949">💡 A must-listen for anyone navigating self-doubt, burnout, or that feeling of being “all or nothing.” This is your reminder that the way your brain works might just be your superpower.</p> <p data-start="951" data-end="1030">🎧 Listen to the full episode: <em data-start="982" data-end="1030">Episode 364 – Inside the Venture Capital Brain</em></p> <p data-start="951" data-end="1030"><em data-start="982" data-end= "1030">---<br /> <br /> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" dir="auto"><span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto">Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free!</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXphOWFyd2UyY1ZUWjZhSDhjVERmN0hQdk1Qd3xBQ3Jtc0tsRWRjdEZlWXE4NTdRbkp4cnNyc0RodVZPVUFxb3l0U1NjNjZUSzhxdzdTYUNPWnlFcktZcTdvTUhpaTVLUFdWUDRiVFB0VW1fLUwtc0dOd0h6NnlsMzNoREN5N19qeVJ1eEloNW1NX0NRUXJmVG5xYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mrgaryfox.com%2Fsubscribe-1%C2%A0&v=YBTp0Q6Lqi4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Azure Communications:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Nostra:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVV5WG1HUDhSLWRRS2ptTG80Zm9uZ25MLWFRd3xBQ3Jtc0ttczEwYl9ucC1YbWdZU3pkYXNDdERPaE9sTGxQYk9DQWlFMjAyeGx2dlNCdmJGVk9kc3VhVHpjLXFIcUtCZW83blJDVUVVMHpEV2h2X0hScmh0eGJtczRibGVUaWlOMGg3Rzg4cE1RRGVoQjN0Um11aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3HHwSMo&v=YBTp0Q6Lqi4" target="_blank" rel= "nofollow noopener">https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</a></span></span></em></p> <div id="snippet" class="style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander"> </div> <div class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata"> <div id="video-summary" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"></div> <div id="merch-shelf" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"></div> <div id="items" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"> <div id="header" class= "style-scope ytd-video-description-transcript-section-renderer"> </div> </div> </div> <p data-start="951" data-end="1030"><em data-start="982" data-end= "1030"> </em></p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets Anthony Gallagher - the man behind Petstop, Ireland’s most successful independent pet retailer. From sweeping floors at Penneys to nearly selling his dot-com startup for $42 million (before it all collapsed), Anthony’s story is packed with lessons on grit, resilience, and building something that lasts. He shares how he bounced back from financial ruin using pure hustle, delivered pet food himself during lockdowns, and quietly scaled Petstop to €40 million in annual revenue—all while competing head-to-head with global giants. This is a masterclass in staying the course, putting people first, and never underestimating the power of showing up - week after week, store after store.<br /> <br /> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Show Notes:</strong></span><br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> <br /> 🐾 How Anthony grew Petstop to €40M without external takeovers<br /> 💥 The $42M dot-com deal that collapsed overnight<br /> 📦 Using his son’s communion money to pay staff - and bouncing back<br /> 🧠 Competing (and winning) against multinationals like Maxi Zoo<br /> 🏪 The importance of location in retail—and why he still visits every store<br /> 🚚 Scaling delivery by literally driving orders to customers<br /> 🔁 Building a team with 20+ years’ loyalty<br /> 🐕 Why launching private-label brands like Nádúr changed the game<br /> 💡 How being “too early” can kill a great idea (and why timing is everything)<br /> <br /> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Resources & Mentions:<br /> <br /></strong></span> Anthony's business: <a href= "https://www.petstop.ie/">https://www.petstop.ie/</a> <br /> Private-label brand: Nádúr<br /> Lifestyle pet range: Alice & Co<br /> Irish-made treats company backed by Anthony: Green Treat: <a href= "https://green-treat.com/">https://green-treat.com/</a> <br /> <br /> -----<br /> <br /> Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! <a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> Visit my partners<br /> <br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo">https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</a></p>

<p>What do you do when your business is on the brink of collapse? For Gary Lavin, it meant getting in his car and personally selling into 3,500 stores in 18 months. In this raw and honest moment, Gary shares how fear became his biggest motivator, why most people skip the hard (but essential) work of selling, and how doubling your store count can double your business — if you're willing to do the legwork. This is a must-listen for any founder struggling to grow or hesitant to sell.<br /> <br /> -----</p> <p>Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1 </p> <p>---<br /> Visit my partners</p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland</p> <p>Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE </p> <p>Nostra: https://bit.ly/3HHwSMo</p>

<p data-start="665" data-end="1075">In this episode of <em data-start="684" data-end="713">The Entrepreneur Experiment</em>, Gary Fox sits down with Lorraine Heskin, the trailblazing founder of Gourmet Food Parlour, one of Ireland’s most successful independent hospitality groups. Lorraine shares her journey from selling Irish foods on the streets of Manhattan to opening a tiny 25-seater café off a side street in Dun Laoghaire - without investors, key money, or a culinary background.</p> <p data-start="1077" data-end="1428">She reveals how she grew a brand that now spans restaurants, catering, corporate hospitality, and even cross-country expansion, all while maintaining a fierce loyalty to her team, her customers, and her values. This conversation is a masterclass in brand-building, resilience, and trusting your instincts - especially when the world tells you otherwise.</p> <p data-start="1430" data-end="1576">Whether you're in food, retail, or simply thinking about taking the leap to start your own business, Lorraine’s story will light a fire under you.<br /> <br /> -----<br /> <br /> Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! <a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Visit my partners:<br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p>

<p>In this Mentor Moment from <em data-start="298" data-end= "311">Episode 365</em> with Laura Bonner, founder of The Muff Liquor Company, she opens up about the mental practices that keep her grounded in business and life. Laura shares her unapologetic belief in therapy, the importance of taking time to reset, and why legacy isn’t about being a great business person—but a great person. It’s a raw, real reflection on healing, perspective, and purpose from one of the most authentic voices we’ve featured.<br /> <br /> ----<br /> <br /> Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration on Business, Brain and Body, as well as exclusive events, courses and more, straight to your inbox. It's free! <a href= "https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1">https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> Visit my partners<br /> <br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a><br /> <br /> ---</p>

<p data-start="646" data-end="862">In this episode of <em data-start="665" data-end="694">The Entrepreneur Experiment</em>, Gary sits down with Rory King, the founder of Rory’s Travel Club- a radically simple subscription business that’s quietly revolutionising travel in Ireland and beyond.</p> <p data-start="864" data-end="1248">With no investors, no fancy app, and no startup playbook, Rory turned a €10 Facebook idea into a thriving travel club with over 200,000 members, a 10-person team, and a blueprint to reach one million users. From sleeping in his car outside Applegreen Petrol Station to traveling to Sri Lanka with his customers, Rory shares his unfiltered journey of hustle, honesty, and high-impact email marketing.</p> <p data-start="1250" data-end="1398">If you’ve ever wondered how to build a profitable business without venture capital - or how to make email sexy again - this episode is your masterclass.<br /> <br /></p> <p data-start="1405" data-end="1423"><strong data-start="1405" data-end="1423">Show Notes:</strong></p> <p data-start="1425" data-end="1451">In this episode, we cover:</p> <ul data-start="1452" data-end="2184"> <li data-start="1452" data-end="1525"> <p data-start="1454" data-end="1525">💡 How Rory validated his idea with a €10 PayPal experiment on Facebook</p> </li> <li data-start="1526" data-end="1597"> <p data-start="1528" data-end="1597">📬 Why email marketing (done right) is still king—with 70% open rates</p> </li> <li data-start="1598" data-end="1672"> <p data-start="1600" data-end="1672">🚀 The low-cost, high-impact subscription model fueling explosive growth</p> </li> <li data-start="1673" data-end="1750"> <p data-start="1675" data-end="1750">🤝 How Rory builds loyalty through real-life connection and 1:1 interaction</p> </li> <li data-start="1751" data-end="1818"> <p data-start="1753" data-end="1818">🌍 The plan to scale from Ireland to Scotland, the UK, and beyond</p> </li> <li data-start="1819" data-end="1888"> <p data-start="1821" data-end="1888">🎯 Why keeping the annual fee at €12 is part of the growth strategy</p> </li> <li data-start="1889" data-end="1949"> <p data-start="1891" data-end="1949">🧠 Repurposing old content + smart social media strategies</p> </li> <li data-start="1950" data-end="2024"> <p data-start="1952" data-end="2024">🔄 Retention, recurring revenue, and the beauty of a no-commission model</p> </li> <li data-start="2025" data-end="2097"> <p data-start="2027" data-end="2097">🛏️ How 5-star hotels and top travel brands now come to him with deals</p> </li> <li data-start="2098" data-end="2184"> <p data-start="2100" data-end="2184">☕ From sports science grad to group trip leader: Rory’s real entrepreneurial journey</p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="1250" data-end="1398"> </p> <p data-start="2191" data-end="2216"><strong data-start="2191" data-end="2216">Links & Resources:</strong></p> <ul data-start="2218" data-end="2766"> <li data-start="2218" data-end="2273"> <p data-start="2220" data-end="2273"><a class="" href= "https://www.rorystravelclub.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2220" data-end="2273">Rory’s Travel Club</a></p> </li> <li data-start="2274" data-end="2363"> <p data-start="2276" data-end="2363">Follow Rory on Instagram: <a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/rorystravelclub" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2302" data-end= "2363">@rorystravelclub</a></p> </li> <li data-start="2553" data-end="2642"> <p data-start="2555" data-end="2642">Email Marketing Tool Rory Recommends: <a class="" href="https://www.activecampaign.com/" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="2593" data-end= "2642">ActiveCampaign</a></p> </li> </ul> <p data-start="1250" data-end="1398"><br /&

<p>In this Mentor Moment from episode 370, Nadia Adan shares how she left a high-paying corporate job in finance to launch her own car dealership, Ashford Motors, just before the pandemic. With grit, intuition, and a flair for social media, Nadia built a thriving business from scratch—even as others called her a "backstreet garage." This short episode is packed with powerful insights on betting on yourself, overcoming cultural expectations, and building a brand with both heart and hustle.<br /> <br /> ___________________<br /> <br /> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" dir="auto"><span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">Visit my partners:<br /> Enterprise Ireland:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Azure Communications:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Nostra:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazJaMGtFZkt4QmI2NjJXRm1FNGJLeEd6WWFZQXxBQ3Jtc0trSEd6aTNHY2ptaU1pT1Z5clFDZ3l0VkhvYmdDT0xqT091U253WjVabng4TUg0bVhBVndDU0ZWNjBUT2M2N2xRQU5PcThIX3J5N2dFTWsyMVQxUjM1cFZ1N2ZVNWh3OVBvelo5YzRHWjZrMi0xRzhJSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fnostraee&v=Y3tU45Noa8o" target="_blank" rel= "nofollow noopener">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></span></span></p> <div id="snippet" class="style-scope ytd-text-inline-expander"> </div> <div class="style-scope ytd-watch-metadata"> <div id="video-summary" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"></div> <div id="merch-shelf" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"></div> <div id="items" class= "style-scope ytd-structured-description-content-renderer"> <div class="yt-video-attributes-section-view-model"> <div class="yt-video-attributes-section-view-model__header"> </div> </div> </div> </div>

<p>In this powerful episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets Sean Brett – the unstoppable founder behind Steeltech Sheds. From painting houses with no experience to dominating Galway’s coal market and eventually building Ireland’s leading steel shed business, Sean shares a rollercoaster entrepreneurial journey packed with grit, hustle, and heart.</p> <p>With no formal education beyond the age of 14 and a background shaped by dyslexia and adversity, Sean embodies the very essence of resilience. He opens up about cold calling his way to success, reinventing himself through personal development, and why not caring what others think is the greatest entrepreneurial mindset of all.</p> <p>This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, questioned their path, or needed a reminder that the best businesses often start with zero resources and pure belief.</p> <p>🎧 Show Notes:<br /> <br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> <br /> 🔥 Sean’s first “Eureka” ad that kickstarted his painting business<br /> 🚛 How he went from one bag of coal to Galway’s biggest coal distributor<br /> 🏗 The origin story of Steeltech Sheds – and the pints-fuelled brainstorming that led to the name<br /> 🧠 Why overcoming dyslexia became one of his greatest strengths<br /> 🧰 The surprising power of rejection and how it built his sales resilience<br /> 📉 What he did when orders dried up overnight during the crash—and how expansion saved him<br /> 🎯 The marketing lessons he learned that still hold true today<br /> 🧍 Why being the face of your brand matters more than ever in the age of AI<br /> 💬 “If you could not care what other people think about you, your life would be so much happier, better, successful.”</p> <p>🔗 Links & Resources:<br /> Steeltech Sheds — Learn more about Sean’s business: https://www.steeltechsheds.ie/ <br /> The Entrepreneur Experiment Newsletter — Stay updated with new episodes and insights: https://www.mrgaryfox.com/subscribe-1</p> <p> </p> <p>---<br /> Visit my partners</p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland</p> <p>Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE </p> <p>Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee</p>

<p data-start="270" data-end="650">In this bite-sized Mentor Moment from Episode 384, David Jelly, founder of Property Bridges, joins Gary Fox to dissect two of Ireland’s biggest challenges: why people aren’t investing — despite sitting on billions in cash — and why startups struggle to retain talent in a post-COVID world. From cultural mindsets to broken incentives, David gets honest about what needs to change.</p> <p data-start="652" data-end="774">Whether you're a founder, investor, or just trying to make sense of Ireland’s economic contradictions, this moment will provide some useful food for thought on investing in Ireland, and how to shape your team in our hybrid working world. <br /> <br /> ------<br /> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto">Visit my partners: <br /> Enterprise Ireland:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a><a class= "yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9lOUJTeWFjUUNpQXN1d0VNelAySWZObFZtZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttb0JCV1Y1RzBvRzFOcUdIb2JLMGZlMjNER19ZSldmOVoxMndKQXB4VXlPTXktMF92YWZYTUUxcWVmYm94bk1VejRTUWpiS1RJYUQ0enNJajNXMUVZSWROb2xzdkx2SlRSbEJfTXQtLTNKcXdZNGxKNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FEIreland%C2%A0&v=ToAtfsPCOoY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Azure Communications:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a><a class= "yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFdneng5UlRDU1JhM3dxcjVzSFB1X21RcDlRd3xBQ3Jtc0ttTlp1Z1AwZXlmbzdfR3NLRGVUNWtRa19GWFpxZ0MyaVpISG1Cc25FUDRtaWk0NENMazRzMXhBRG9qTWh6SHk0UXV5VlhHMG5ocU90TVRDN2pMbVprdExrXzgwTkx3MnVTUXJKV29DakVyQ1BKSmZxQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FazureEE%C2%A0&v=ToAtfsPCOoY" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> </a></span> <span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><br /> Nostra:</span> <span class= "yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir= "auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href= "https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUZEV1NOdGlXMC16cktobTdtRWZ3VmhUNXhKd3xBQ3Jtc0tsalRFRmplZVdDaEdCUlJKeEIxNWhzdXFRblJOR29oaTc1dXVkN3NuWlpveURCRUlyLU5OYXAwWjE0ZHZhc2VxME1GWXRtXzcyR3liSmpfYkl1VG5id2ZIcExaOGJULV9YVjZEc190cjBCbXRZZllDQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fnostraee&v=ToAtfsPCOoY" target="_blank" rel= "nofollow noopener">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></span></p>

<p>In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan—the powerhouse duo behind Ella & Jo, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing beauty brands.<br /> <br /> From a single product and two simultaneous pregnancies to a global business stocked in Boots, Dunnes Stores and over 400 pharmacies, their story is anything but ordinary. Charlene and Niamh open up about how they built Ella & Jo from the West of Ireland, how they define success on their own terms, and why authenticity, connection, and community are at the heart of everything they do.<br /> <br /> Whether you’re a solo founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or building a business while juggling parenthood—this episode will leave you fired up, grounded, and full of ideas.<br /> <br /> Show Notes:<br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> 💡 The serendipitous start to Charlene & Niamh’s partnership<br /> 👩‍🔬 From skin clinic and bridal makeup to co-founders of a global beauty brand<br /> 🧴 How a single brush cleanser idea turned into an award-winning product range<br /> 🌍 Building a global brand from the West of Ireland<br /> 💬 Why your business doesn’t have to be born in Dublin, London, or NYC<br /> 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Growing a business while growing a family—simultaneous pregnancies and startup hustle<br /> 🧘 The importance of defining your own version of success<br /> 🌟 How coaching and self-acceptance helped shape their leadership styles<br /> 📦 Behind the scenes of product development: the 9-month launch timeline<br /> 🤝 The role of trust, community, and social media in scaling Ella & Jo<br /> 🧠 How to stay creatively inspired while managing the demands of entrepreneurship<br /> <br /> Links & Resources:<br /> <br /> 💻 Ella & Jo Website: <a href= "https://ellaandjo.ie">https://ellaandjo.ie</a> <br /> 📸 Charlene Flanagan Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/charleneflanagan_">https://www.instagram.com/charleneflanagan_</a> <br /> 👩‍⚕️ Niamh Ryan Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/niamhryan_skin/">https://www.instagram.com/niamhryan_skin/</a> <br /> 🛍️ Buy Ella & Jo at Boots Ireland: <a href= "https://www.boots.ie/ella-and-jo">https://www.boots.ie/ella-and-jo</a> <br /> 📚 Going for Growth – Women entrepreneurs programme: <a href= "https://goingforgrowth.com/">https://goingforgrowth.com/</a> <br /> <br /> ---<br /> Visit my partners:<br /> <br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p>

<p data-start="279" data-end="623">In this Mentor Moment from Episode 355 of <em data-start="321" data-end="350">The Entrepreneur Experiment</em>, Barry Napier shares hard-won wisdom on how founders need to evolve as their companies scale. From letting go of control to building a culture of trust and accountability, Barry reflects on how he went from “hard work and chaos” to leading with clarity and self-awareness.</p> <p data-start="625" data-end="779">If you're a founder feeling the weight of doing it all, this is a must-watch moment on what it really means to grow — not just your company, but yourself.</p> <p data-start="781" data-end="921">Full Episode: <em data-start="798" data-end="827">The Entrepreneur Experiment</em> Episode 355</p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with John Purdy, co-founder of Ergo and a seasoned leader who has helped shape the Irish tech landscape over the past three decades.<br /> <br /> From launching Ergo in 1993 with just a handful of people to scaling it into one of Ireland’s top IT services companies, John shares the highs, the hard decisions, and the philosophies that guided him through it all. John shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how he scaled Ergo without external investment and spun out an eventual unicorn, Fenergo, along the way. He opens up about the emotional and strategic decision to step away as CEO after 28 years, and what he’s doing now to give back—both to founders and to causes close to his heart. If you're building a business or figuring out what comes after success, this is the playbook.<br /> <br /> Show Notes:<br /> <br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> <br /> 🚀 Growing Ergo from a printer repair business to €200M+ in revenue<br /> <br /> 📊 How John bootstrapped and resisted outside investment for decades<br /> <br /> 🏗️ Spinning out Fenergo—now valued at €1.2 billion<br /> <br /> 🔁 Why he stepped down as CEO and how he let go without meddling<br /> <br /> 🧠 What he looks for before joining a startup board or investing<br /> <br /> 🔥 The brutal honesty of what it takes to scale and survive the “messy middle”<br /> <br /> 🤝 How personal values define great founders<br /> <br /> 💬 "The team that got me the last trophy won’t get me the next one." — John Purdy quoting Sir Alex Ferguson on leadership and succession<br /> <br /> Links & Resources Ergo Technology Group: <a href= "https://ergotechnologygroup.com/">https://ergotechnologygroup.com/</a><br /> Connect with John Purdy on LinkedIn: <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpurdy">https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpurdy</a><br /> Book mentioned: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl<br /> Recommended Podcast: The Tim Ferriss Show<br /> <br /> Visit my partners<br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a> </p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Keilidh Cashell — one of Ireland’s most recognisable beauty creators turned entrepreneur and founder of Kash Beauty. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and a loyal global audience, Keilidh opens up about what it really takes to build a brand in the public eye. From creating makeup looks in her bedroom to leading a business stocked internationally, Keilidh shares the highs, the challenges, and the moments where she questioned it all.<br /> <br /> She talks burnout, stepping back from content creation to become a better CEO, and learning how to lead a team while staying true to her creative core. This is an unfiltered look at the business behind the brand — and the mindset shift required to scale beyond just being the face of it. Whether you're a content creator dreaming of launching your own product or a founder navigating what growth actually feels like, this one is a must-listen.<br /> <br /> Show Notes:<br /> <br /> In this episode, we cover:<br /> <br /> 💄 How Keilidh transitioned from makeup influencer to founder of Kash Beauty<br /> <br /> 🌍 Scaling a brand globally while staying rooted in authenticity<br /> <br /> 🎥 The pressure of building a business while millions watch online<br /> <br /> 🧠 Burnout, boundaries and taking a step back to lead better<br /> <br /> 📦 Why she focused on product and customer experience before anything else 💬 Learning how to hire, manage and make tough business calls<br /> <br /> 🧪 Creating products that go viral and deliver results<br /> <br /> 💡 “At the start, it was all vibes — no plan.”<br /> <br /> 🔑 What it really means to build something bigger than yourself<br /> <br /> Links & Resources:<br /> Follow Keilidh on YouTube: <a class= "mention-chip ytcp-social-suggestion-input" spellcheck="false" href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCk276aZX30B7URxbSeWnKhQ">@KeilidhMua </a><br /> Follow Keilidh on TikTok: <a href= "https://www.tiktok.com/@keilidhmua">https://www.tiktok.com/@keilidhmua</a><br /> Follow Keilidh on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/keilidhmua/">https://www.instagram.com/keilidhmua/</a> <br /> Shop Kash Beauty: <a href= "https://www.kashbeauty.com/">https://www.kashbeauty.com/</a> <br /> Kash Beauty on Instagram: <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/kash_beauty/">https://www.instagram.com/kash_beauty/</a><br /> <br /> ---<br /> <br /> Visit my partners<br /> Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a> <br /> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a> <br /> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox is joined by Gerry Hussey - performance psychologist, author, and founder of Soul Space- for a raw, profound conversation on mindset, mastery, and meaning. From coaching Olympic athletes to filling the National Concert Hall with nothing but belief and vision, Gerry shares the ignition moments that shaped his life's work.</p> <p>He opens up about overcoming debilitating anxiety as a teenager, how his mother’s unconditional love set him on a path of purpose, and why real change doesn’t start with tactics - it starts with truth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or someone simply searching for clarity and courage, this episode will leave you rethinking how you show up for yourself and the world around you.</p> <p>Show Notes</p> <p>In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>💥 The “ignition moment” that set Gerry on his life’s mission</p> <p>🧠 How he rebuilt his mindset after early trauma and self-doubt</p> <p>🥊 Lessons from working with Olympic boxing teams and elite athletes</p> <p>🎯 The "WIN" Mindset: What's Important Now</p> <p>🧘‍♂️ Building daily habits of personal excellence</p> <p>💬 The power of saying no, and living with integrity</p> <p>🏛️ Booking out the National Concert Hall during lockdown - with zero notes</p> <p>🔄 Reset triggers: why emotional mastery starts with micro-decisions</p> <p>🔍 Why most people fall short: the missing “why” behind their goals</p> <p>👨‍👩‍👧 The true measure of success (hint: it’s not money or medals)</p> <p>Links & Resources Mentioned:</p> <p>Gerry Hussey’s New Book: I Am, I Can, I Will: <a href= "https://amzn.to/3YSf6vK">https://amzn.to/3YSf6vK</a> </p> <p>Soul Space – Gerry’s wellness and performance platform: <a href= "https://soulspace.ie/">https://soulspace.ie/</a></p> <p>Joe Dispenza – Inspiration behind Gerry’s live event transformation</p> <p>Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl</p> <p> </p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive into Conor McHugh's remarkable journey from finance to founding Alchemy Search in Dubai.</p> <p>Drawn by tax-free incentives and sun-soaked opportunities, Conor shares how he navigated the cultural complexities and business challenges of the Middle East over seven years.</p> <p>His story weaves through personal transformation—from KPMG in Guernsey to a soul-searching travel adventure across Asia that sparked his entrepreneurial awakening.</p> <p>With candid insights on managing multicultural teams, overcoming financial pressures, and respecting local business practices, Conor offers invaluable advice for anyone considering the leap into international entrepreneurship.</p> <p>Whether you're curious about expat business opportunities or seeking inspiration to take your own calculated risk, this conversation reveals the grit and adaptability required to succeed far from home.</p> <p> </p> <p>🎧 Show Notes:</p> <p> In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>🌍 Conor's decision to leave London and build a business in Dubai's tax-free environment</p> <p>🔄 The career pivot from finance at KPMG to recruitment entrepreneurship</p> <p>✈️ How a year of international travel triggered his entrepreneurial mindset</p> <p>🤝 The importance of the Irish community network in Dubai</p> <p>💼 Managing multicultural teams and navigating business relationships in the Middle East</p> <p>💰 Financial challenges and the realities of invoice collection across cultures</p> <p>⏱️ Understanding different cultural approaches to timelines and commitments</p> <p>🧠 Overcoming Western entitlement mindset when operating internationally</p> <p>🌱 The evolution of Dubai's business landscape over seven years</p> <p> </p> <p>"A sense of entitlement, often carried by those from Western cities like Dublin or London, can be a hindrance to success in the Middle East." - Conor McHugh</p> <p>--- Visit my Partners </p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></p> <p>Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></p> <p>Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

<p>In this special Dubai-recorded edition of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Trevor McFarlane—CEO and founder of EMIR, the ultra-exclusive intelligence and advisory network serving the region’s top CEOs, ministers, and government officials.</p> <p>Trevor shares the incredible story behind building EMIR from scratch—starting with a borrowed ballroom at the Burj Al Arab and a fake guest list—to now curating powerful, private briefings for over 400 regional leaders.</p> <p>This episode is a masterclass in the psychology of influence, the power of elite curation, and why being “hard to access” is a business strategy. Trevor also offers a piercing macroeconomic analysis of what lies ahead globally, from Trump 2.0 and AI to population booms and climate migration.</p> <p>Whether you’re a founder, strategist, or just a curious mind—this one will leave you thinking.</p> <p><strong>🎧 Show Notes</strong></p> <p>In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>🎩 How Trevor built a high-trust, invite-only CEO network across the Middle East.</p> <p>🧠 The psychology of selectivity: why scarcity builds value.</p> <p>💼 Turning elite briefings into board-level influence (and the risk that comes with it)</p> <p>🌍 From geopolitics to geoeconomics: why the next 25 years will divide the world</p> <p>📉 The real danger of AI: widening inequality</p> <p>📈 Opportunity in adversity: where Trevor sees business potential in climate migration and demographic collapse</p> <p>🏠 A surprising Airbnb idea involving abandoned Japanese islands</p> <p>🇮🇪 Trevor’s blunt take on Ireland’s economy, inequality, and global tax pressures</p> <p><strong>Quote of the Episode</strong></p> <p>💬 “What we’re selling isn’t just intelligence—it’s trust, access, and success.” – Trevor McFarlane</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>🔗 Links & Resources</strong></p> <p>EMIR Official Website → <a href= "https://www.emirintelligence.com">www.emirintelligence.com</a></p> <p> Book mention: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Visit my Partners </strong></p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></p> <p> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></p> <p> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Gareth Sheridan, the relentless founder and CEO of Nutriband Inc — a pharmaceutical company tackling one of the most controversial issues in modern medicine: opioid misuse. What started as a college thesis and a dining room stacked with questionable Chinese vitamin patches has since become a NASDAQ-listed company pioneering safer drug delivery systems.</p> <p> </p> <p>Gareth walks us through his raw, rollercoaster journey — from painting houses to fund his dream, to being duped in a million-dollar pump-and-dump scheme, and how he clawed his way back to ring the NASDAQ bell on October 1st with $6.6 million in fresh funding.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you're an entrepreneur with ambition (and a high pain tolerance), this episode will teach you about resilience, smart capital strategy, and how to build billion-dollar businesses the hard way — brick by brick, and patch by patch.</p> <p> </p> <p>🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>💊 The origin story of Nutriband: from a college idea to fighting the opioid crisis</p> <p>🚗 Why Gareth was a millionaire on paper but driving for Uber in Florida</p> <p> 🏥 How transdermal patches can replace pills and even injections</p> <p>💸 Getting duped: the brutal truth about OTC markets and a $1.5M illusion</p> <p> 🧠 Learning to think like a public company CEO (before even listing)</p> <p>🔁 Why he rebuilt the same company… twice</p> <p>🧱 Gareth’s unique strategy: acquiring IP and talent using stock instead of cash</p> <p>🛑 How he said no to $80 million in funding offers — and why</p> <p>🔔 Manifesting the NASDAQ bell: “It was never if, only when.”</p> <p>⚖️ The shady side of Wall Street: naked shorts, phantom trades, and SEC investigations</p> <p> 📈What it takes to build a billion-dollar business the unconventional way</p> <p>🔗 Links & Resources: Nutriband: <a href= "https://www.nutriband.com/">https://www.nutriband.com/</a></p> <p> Follow Gareth Sheridan on LinkedIn: <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsheridanntrb/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethsheridanntrb/</a></p> <p> Watch the GameStop story: Dumb Money (IMDb): <a href= "https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13957560/">https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13957560/</a></p> <p> --- Visit my partners</p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></p> <p> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azure">https://bit.ly/azure</a></p> <p>EE Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox meets with Eoin Cantwell, founder of Fitt Meals. Eoin shares his remarkable journey from running a busy sports club to creating one of the UAE’s most innovative meal prep businesses. Eoin candidly discusses how he bootstrapped Fitt Meals, his approach to radical transparency with open book management (🤯), and how he empowers his entire team by sharing profits and insights.</p> <p>If you’re an entrepreneur looking to scale your business, enhance your team’s engagement, or understand the power of collective responsibility, this episode provides deep insights into a unique business model and leadership style.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>🎧 Show Notes:</strong></p> <p>In this episode, we cover:</p> <p> </p> <p>🔥 The moment Eoin realised the opportunity in healthy meal prep</p> <p>🚀 How Fitt Meals grew from renting a kitchen at night to operating a state-of-the-art facility</p> <p>💡 Why Eoin believes in radical transparency and open-book management</p> <p>📈 How profit-sharing with employees transformed Fitt Meals’ culture</p> <p>🌍 The challenges and opportunities of scaling a logistics-heavy business</p> <p>🔑 The critical importance of teaching your team the ‘why’ behind decisions</p> <p> 🏋️‍♂️ The balance between company growth and maintaining team culture and morale</p> <p>💬 “A company of owners will always outthink the owner of a company.” – Eoin Cantwell</p> <p><strong> Resources Mentioned:</strong></p> <p>• Scaling Up by Verne Harnish</p> <p>• The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack</p> <p>• HeyGen AI for multilingual communication</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>--- Visit my Partners </strong></p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></p> <p> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></p> <p> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p> <p> </p>

<p>In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Pádraig Ó Céidigh, a name synonymous with Irish entrepreneurship and business leadership. Best known for founding and scaling Aer Arann, one of Ireland’s leading regional airlines, Pádraig shares his journey from humble beginnings to building an airline—despite having no aviation experience.</p> <p> </p> <p>He reveals the key moments that defined his career: remortgaging his house to buy an airline, negotiating with Aer Lingus, securing multimillion-dollar aircraft deals, and eventually selling his business. Beyond aviation, he opens up about the personal cost of success, his near-death experience, and the philosophy that guides his life today.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you're an entrepreneur, this episode will change how you think about risk, vision, and what it really means to build a business with purpose.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>📌 Show Notes:</strong></p> <p>In this episode, we cover:</p> <p>✈️ How Pádraig went from teacher to airline owner—without aviation experience </p> <p>💡 The mindset shift that allowed him to scale Aer Arann from a small regional service to a multimillion-dollar business</p> <p>📉 The biggest challenges of running an airline (and why profitability was harder than it looked) 🎯 Why a clear focus on one word—safety—transformed his business strategy</p> <p>⚖️ The cost of entrepreneurship: health, family, and personal sacrifices</p> <p>📖 His perspective on wealth beyond just money and how he defines success today</p> <p>📚 His book, ‘The Purposeful Decision Maker,’ and the lessons inside</p> <p>🚀 His next chapter: mentoring, investing, and new business ventures</p> <p><strong>🔗 Resources:</strong></p> <p>📖 The Purposeful Decision Maker – Pádraig Ó Céidigh’s book</p> <p>📚 Recommended book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel</p> <p> --- Visit my partners</p> <p>Enterprise Ireland: <a href= "https://bit.ly/EIreland">https://bit.ly/EIreland</a></p> <p> Azure Communications: <a href= "https://bit.ly/azureEE">https://bit.ly/azureEE</a></p> <p> Nostra: <a href= "https://bit.ly/nostraee">https://bit.ly/nostraee</a></p> <p> </p>